Labor Day weekend event guide: 13 things to do in NYC, Sept. 4-7

T.Michelle Murphy

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U.S. Open
Through Sept. 13
Billie Jean National Tennis Center, Queens
$70+

Besides being the last tennis event of the season and many of the biggest names in the sport being right in our backyard, the spectacle of the miniature city that rises for two weeks at the Queens tennis complex should be experienced. There’s tons of cool food, things to do and, of course, endless tennis matches across 17 courts, most of them accessible with just a grounds pass. —EK

Some movies are just made for midnight viewings, and “American Psycho” is one such classic. It’s being screened this Friday night at Nitehawk Cinema in Brooklyn as a kick-off to the “She Made It” series, which honors strong female film directors during brunch and midnight screenings, plus special events. Watch as Patrick Bateman slashes his way to gory glory in his pursuit of his particular interpretation of the American dream. The “She Made It” series will continue throughout September.

Sweat and electricity sound like a disastrous mix, but dancing straight through a sunny summer weekend at the Electric Zoo Festival still makes perfect sense. Now in its seventh year, the event is a continuously growing electronic music dance party for revelers 18 and up over the course of Labor Day Weekend on Randall’s Island. This year’s lineup includes The Chemical Brothers, Alesso, Adventure Club, Gramatix and The Glitch Mob. Passes and packages at all levels are selling out fast.

If you haven’t experienced the sweet ecstasy of literally pushing away from the sweltering armpit that our city becomes during the summer, this weekend Manhattan by Sail is offering many of its cruises at 20 percent off with the code MBSLDW. Sunset with a drink in your hand is great, but having wind in your hair and a close-up view of the Statue of Liberty to go with it can’t be beat. —EK

Free Ice Cream at MCNY
Sept. 5-7, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Museum of the City of New York, 1220 Fifth Ave.
Free with admission

If you haven't already checked out the latest exhibit at the Museum of the City of New York -- "Saving Places: 50 Years of New York City Landmarks" -- this is the correct weekend to do it. That's because the first 600 guests to the museum each day of Labor Day Weekend will receive free scoops from Blue Marble Ice Cream. So not only does this activity get you out of the sun for a few hours, but it will give you and any out-of-town visitors sleeping on your couch the chance to learn more about the history of NYC. Plus, duh, free ice cream. Need we say more?

Well, here’s something New York City has been desperately missing: Support Group for the End of the World is a gathering for people who feel like they walk around with the weight of the world on their shoulders. More precisely, it’s based on the theory that we’re on a path to extinction and humanity is doomed – but, you know, don’t freak out. Your therapy alternative for the week takes place Saturday at 2 p.m. It’s free, but donations are welcome to keep the hope alive at Bluestockings.

Twice per year, on Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends, the Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit fills the sidewalks of Greenwich Village at Washington Square Park. Allegedly the event traces its history back to Jackson Pollock in 1931, hawking his wares for rent. Little seems to have changed for NYC artists. Shop for original jewelry, paintings, sculptures, multimedia works and more – or just enjoy strolling through the street fair and chatting with the artists, who are also vying for the event’s cash prizes.

It's MoMA's final Saturday outdoor art-dance party of the summer. MoMA's experimental art space with possibly the most chic patio in the business opens at noon, and at the 3 p.m. the music begins: Derrick May, Vince Staples, Clark, Dan Bodan and Egyptrixx are officially on deck, but expect some surprises.—EK

Take a walk among the most colorful residents of the tropics at the museum’s annual butterfly exhibit. At “Tropical Butterflies Alive in Winter,” mingle with a rainbow of 500 butterflies (like the iridescent blue morphobutterflies and scarlet swallowtails) as they flutter among their native plants and flowers, learn about their role in their habitats and, when all too soon it’s too cold to be outside, enjoy a warm afternoon. —EK

Your girlfriend might have started side-eyeing your extravagant facial hair, but you can redeem yourself with the eighth annual Coney Island Beard and Moustache Competition this Saturday. It’s $20 to compete or watch. Categories include Best in Show, Worst in Show, Best Beard and Best Moustache –among others. The show is hosted by Andy Realman and Don Jamieson from VH1’s “That Metal Show,” with entertainment from Miss Coney Island, Betty Bloomerz, Serpentina and “Uncle” Jim Daly. Even if you don’t make the finals, you might as well just keep those whiskers now – it’s practically Movember.

The big kahuna of tri-state fairs is happening upstate, but unless you’re a Nick Jonas fan (he’s performing on the closing night) you can enjoy the same atmosphere this Sunday right here in Manhattan. Carnival rides, fairway games, magic shows and live music are taking over from 66th to 70th streets; after you’ve ridden and seen it all, enjoy your carnival food while strolling along the river. —EK

The West Indian-American Day Carnival, more commonly known as the West Indian Day Parade, takes place each year on Labor Day in Crown Heights. Now in its 48th year, this Caribbean Carnival – which runs for seven hours, starting at dawn – is an expression of uncontained joy through music, dancing, eating and imbibing, with origins tracing back to a preparation to behave oneself during Lent. The parade route runs from Prospect Park by the Brooklyn Museum and continues east to Utica Ave.